My Blanket Fort, April 18
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Karen Tripp
“Then the word of the LORD came to him: ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.’ He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’” (Genesis 15:4-5 NIV).
When we were kids, my brother, sister, and I used to make the BEST blanket forts. We’d use every blanket in the house, all the stools, a few chairs, broomsticks, large books, and tons of clothespins to make a blanket fort so big it would cover the entire room. It was unbelievably awesome. One day I decided I wanted the fort built my way—and if they didn’t do it my way, I’d take my blanket and leave. Did my manipulation stop the awesome fort from being built? No, but it did result in me sitting in another room with my blanket over my head, reading a comic book with a flashlight. Not much of a fort. I guess my way didn’t turn out so great.
In the Bible, Sarah tried things her way, and they didn’t turn out so great, either. God had promised Sarah’s husband Abraham that he would have a son, and from that son as many descendants as there were stars in the sky. But Sarah didn’t think God’s plan would work because she was old and childless. So, Sarah told Abraham to have a child with her maidservant—and he did (see Genesis 16). Needless to say, that created lots of problems. See? Sarah’s plan didn’t turn out so well, either.
The truth is, we all have times we think our plans are better than God’s. It’s not that we don’t know God’s plan, it’s just that we like ours better. God’s plan for Sarah was to trust Him; instead, Sarah manipulated others.
Cancer doesn’t suddenly purify our hearts. For some, the temptation to do things our own way or manipulate others might increase. For example:
Not telling loved ones of your diagnosis—to protect your pride. “I’m protecting them.”
Refusing help or companionship when you need it—so you don’t appear weak. “I take care of others; they don’t take care of me.”
Expecting loved ones to help—when you don’t ask for help. “They should have known I needed help.”
Sometimes, it’s not that we don’t want to do things God’s way; it’s just that we don’t want the conflict and the hassle that comes with it.
God’s way is often not the smooth way. You see, God knows that secrets and manipulations pull you away from other people. God does not intend for anyone to struggle through cancer alone. Your plan may look better in the short run, but it’s never better in the long run. That’s why God’s plan takes trust. Do you trust God can use your honesty and integrity to lead you to a better place? Sarah didn’t trust, and she made a mess. Isaac, her son, still came into her life as part of God’s plan, but she had that blessing in the middle of the mess she made from not following God’s plan. Trust me—I know from my own mistakes: don’t look for the smooth way. Look for God’s way.
Pray: Jesus, remove the temptations for me to distance myself from loved ones. Build in me a mountain of trust in You and Your plan. You are my Wonderful Counselor in all things. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Think for a moment of loved ones you have not told about your cancer or about current difficulties you are having. Pray for God to show you if this truly matches His good plan for you.
Karen Tripp, MS, LMFT, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions, the premiere national Christian cancer ministry (https://www.cancercompanion.org). Her roles have included authoring several Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer and working as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Karen uses her experience to teach how to step into another person’s struggle to help build their faith while strengthening your own.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
